Why Is My 144Hz Monitor Only Showing 60Hz?

Monitor HZ

A 144Hz monitor should provide smooth, high-refresh-rate visuals, but if it’s only displaying 60Hz, something is preventing it from running at full potential. Let’s explore the common reasons and how to fix them.

Common Reasons Why Your 144Hz Monitor Is Stuck at 60Hz

1. Incorrect Display Settings

  • Windows or your operating system may be defaulting to 60Hz.
  • Fix: Go to Display SettingsAdvanced Display SettingsRefresh Rate, and select 144Hz if available.

2. Wrong Cable Type or Connection

  • Some cables do not support high refresh rates.
  • Fix: Ensure you are using a DisplayPort 1.2+ or HDMI 2.0+ cable. Older HDMI versions are often limited to 60Hz at high resolutions.

3. GPU or Driver Issues

  • Outdated drivers or improper settings may cause refresh rate limitations.
  • Fix: Update your graphics drivers through the GPU manufacturer’s software (NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Settings) and ensure the refresh rate is set to 144Hz in those settings.

4. Monitor Settings

  • Some monitors default to 60Hz until manually adjusted.
  • Fix: Check your monitor’s on-screen display (OSD) settings and enable 144Hz if necessary.

5. Incorrect Resolution or Scaling

  • Running a resolution higher than what your monitor supports at 144Hz can result in a lower refresh rate.
  • Fix: Verify that the resolution is correctly set to one that supports 144Hz.

6. Multiple Displays Limiting Refresh Rate

  • If you have a dual-monitor setup, one display may be affecting the other.
  • Fix: Ensure that both monitors support high refresh rates or disconnect the second monitor to test.

7. Refresh Rate Lock from Games or Software

  • Some games and applications limit the refresh rate to 60Hz.
  • Fix: Check in-game settings and enable 144Hz under graphics or display options.

How to Ensure Your Monitor Runs at 144Hz

  • Use the correct cable (DisplayPort 1.2+ or HDMI 2.0+).
  • Update GPU drivers and configure refresh rate in the control panel.
  • Adjust system and in-game settings to enable 144Hz.
  • Check monitor settings and ensure it supports the correct refresh rate.

Conclusion

If your 144Hz monitor is only displaying at 60Hz, it’s usually due to incorrect settings, cable limitations, or driver issues. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can restore your monitor to its full refresh rate potential and enjoy a smoother visual experience.

This article was last updated on February 5, 2025 .

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Categorized as Monitors

By Adam

The Display Blog staff account. We know display.